She uses technology promoted within her school. All Rochester students in grades 4-12 receive Chromebooks, which are small laptop computers. They're meant to create a digitally oriented learning environment.

“I can just open Google Docs and finish (assignments in) class. Plus, some textbooks are online so I don't have to take that textbook home. I just take my Chromebook home,” Katelynn said.

In classrooms throughout central Illinois, teachers are using the same technologies students use on their own time.

“Technology helps me to manage individual student progress and provide one-on-one attention to students,” said Cassy McCoy, a Rochester High English teacher. “It also helps me to build more interactive, exciting and relevant lessons to engage students at a deeper level to build Common Core (an education initiative that establishes information students should know) skills.”

Having technology allows her to give students complementary multimedia and video material, adjust coursework to fit the needs of individual students, and keep track of whether students understand the material.

McCoy's students use their Chromebooks to read English textbooks. While physical textbooks can quickly become outdated and unusable, online versions are constantly being updated and improved, she said.

Her students also make videos and create multimedia projects.

“The availability of technology in the classroom is creating a more student-focused, data-driven, engaging and flexible system of education that will help us to support this generation of students in their future endeavors,” McCoy said.

Rochester physical education teacher Lindsay Schneider uses the technology to help her students gather information more effectively and efficiently. Students in her strength training classes use Google forms on their Chromebooks to fill out workout logs each week.

Students use the RunKeeper application on their phones to track two-mile workouts.

“Technology is a way of life for teenagers and they love to use their phones, tablets or laptops. Technology is going to be a part of their daily lives in college and the workplace, so integrating it now will only enhance their knowledge and comfort later,” Schneider said.

Dennis Jones is director of bands for Rochester Junior and Senior High schools. He's found plenty of ways to incorporate technology into his music education.

Jones takes advantage of a projection system, using it to display a schedule for the day, play musical pieces from YouTube, and record and examine his bands' performances.

Jones also uses a sound system with his projector, a document camera, an electronic metronome that allows musicians to keep track of the beat, and digital recording technology.

“In my high school band, I have a wide gap of skill levels, from very advanced to just learning how to play. Some students need to see it to understand. Some students need to hear it to understand. We all learn in different ways. Using technology ... allows me to differentiate my teaching to the various skill levels and types of learners in the class,” Jones said.

Page 2 of 3 - He also uses technology to plan marching drills by creating animations of the performances. Students have a chance to see how they are supposed execute the drill.

“The typical band rehearsal has not changed for me. However, being able to utilize the Chromebooks that each student brings to class has been very beneficial,” Jones said.

Band students can get nearly instant feedback on what they need to work on. They can record themselves playing a piece of music, allowing Jones to quickly grade and critique the performances.

“I don't use technology because it makes things harder. ... I use it because it helps us be more productive and enhances student learning in my class,” Jones said.

Shifting focus

The Sacred Heart-Griffin High broadcasting class originally managed the large video screen at the school's football field. But now, students in the course focus on using technology to tell stories.

Students in this class use Adobe CS6 to edit material played for fans on the video screen, such as in-game graphics and instant replays. They have also learned to use software to create highlight reels and interview clips. These videos are then posted to YouTube.

When football's not in season, the students produce short film and content for broadcasts, using green screens and iPads as teleprompters.

“It's 2014. To perform well in college, job interviews and even managing their home lives, students need solid technology skills,” said Kevin Becker, who teaches the class with Matt Talken.

SHG senior Mason Schaul has been in the broadcasting class since it started.

“(Broadcasting is) one of the most beneficial experiences of my high school career. I have learned how to use various softwares and hardwares, write story ideas for short films, and lead various projects,” he said.

Mason also uses technology in his other classes and has noticed many of his peers do as well.

“When I can use websites as sources and easily find book titles to search for in our library, it makes my day a whole lot more convenient,” Mason said

Tri-City High School has also gradually become more reliant on technology. The school uses MacBooks, iMacs, iPads, desktops, Chromebooks, Smart Boards and Promethean Boards.

The district received money from a federal grant, the Rural Education Advancement Program, to help supply technology within classrooms.

“Without providing our students with access to technology, we would not be able to prepare our students for life after high school. We are constantly preparing students for careers we do not know exist. However, we are sure that whatever careers our students pursue will include the need to be familiar and comfortable with technology,” said Christy Kindel, director of educational services. Kindel is involved with technology-purchasing decisions for Tri-City.

Page 3 of 3 - Tri-City junior Mallory Vetter uses her laptop and cellphone daily at school. She takes two online classes and finds that having a laptop makes her classes easier to access.

“(Technology in school allows me to get) information very quickly (and) very straightforward and it's just easier than looking (information) up a book or asking someone,” Mallory said.